A familiar face on the New Westminster political scene is hoping to return to the political arena.
Chuck Puchmayr, who served as a city councillor from 1996 to 2005 and as New Westminster's New Democrat MLA from 2005 to 2009, will be running for city council.
"I want to get back and contribute to some of the progress in the city and make sure some of the right decisions are made," he said. "I just felt there is still a lot I want to contribute to my community. I am really active with a lot of non-profits. I would like to get back representing the constituents of New Westminster."
Puchmayr retired after serving one term as the city's MLA because of serious health issues; he underwent a life-saving liver transplant in January 2009.
"Everything is great," he said about his health. "The future is bright. A transplant is not a cure, it's merely an extension on your life. Right now I am living on gifted time."
The longtime New Westminster resident is excited about the prospect of once again serving the city as a councillor.
"I thought I would really enjoy being retired - you can only fish so much," he said. "I have a lot of time to contribute. I think this is the coolest city in Canada."
Puchmayr said he's seen major changes take place in the city and watched it changing from a place some people didn't want to tell people they lived in to a city that's very progressive and a desirable place to live. While he wants that progress to continue, he also wants to ensure that New Westminster remains affordable for seniors, families and businesses.
Although Puchmayr left politics to focus on his health, he's remained active in the community. He's been a member of the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition, a director with the New Vista Society for seniors, a governor and relocation coordinator of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame. In recent years, established A Beef with Hunger Society, which raises beef and purchased farmed goods that are donate to the food bank and non-profit meal providers including community schools.
Puchmayr believes his provincial experience will be helpful as a member of city council.
"The connections are certainly an asset," he said. "Understanding how things work in that realm is certainly an asset."
